We started the Christmas weekend with the Vincent Party on the 23rd. It is so much fun to see everyone on CJ's side. The family is growing every year. Last year I was 7 1/2 months pregnant with Jackson. It is so strange to think of how fast time goes by! We have it now at Great Grandpa Vincent's church. We had a good dinner and afterwards the great grandsons dressed as shepherds and the great granddaughters put halos on to be angels while Uncle Doug read the story of Jesus's birth. We always take white elephant gifts so we played that game after. It is a fun night to just hang out with everyone.
Every year Santa Clause comes to visit. This was Jackson's first time meeting Santa and he did not like him very much. It was so sad to watch his face, but at the same time it was so funny. We were able to record it and he started reaching for me after about 5 seconds. He was done. At least we got some cute pictures though!
We drew names between the grandkids on CJ's side so after visiting with Santa we went and exchanged our gifts since everyone couldn't get together the next day. Cohen had Jackson and got him a Little People Animal Train. Jackson loves it!!
On Christmas Eve we went over to Connie's house for lunch with Cory, July and their family. The kids got their gifts from Grandma Connie and we just hung out and played for a couple hours. Jackson got a shirt, sweater, book and car from Grandma Connie and he got Buzz Lightyear jammies from Cory and family.
CJ's family has the tradition to sing happy birthday to Baby Jesus every year. Connie made cupcakes for everyone and put a baby on them and used frosting to make a blanket for him. She put two candy canes on it to make a stable. They turned out really cute. After we sang we headed to my parents house to make dinner and get ready for our Christmas Eve Party.
We were very busy when we got to my Mom's house. We had to make the Christmas Eve sandwiches, 7 layer dip, oreo balls dipped in white chocolate (Mmmmm!), ham, clam chowder and clean the house! We were still working when everybody got there, but then it went by faster. This year we had Tim, Ashli and kids, Matt, Holly and kids, Scott, Kristy and kids and Kelly! Needless to say we had a full house! We had a ton of food and yummy desserts so we were all sick after dinner, but of course you have to continue snacking! That is what the holidays are really about, right?
After dinner we relaxed for a little bit before we headed into the living room for our entertainment. We sang songs and played the chimes. We had so much fun! Our family goes a little crazy for Christmas Eve, but I think all the in-laws are used to it be now! Every year we end with reading the story of Jesus's birth from the scriptures and we sing the songs that go with them. It is a great way to end the evening and remind us what Christmas is really about. I am so grateful for a family who taught me about the gospel and the blessings that come from it and will continue to teach my children about it also. As long as Christ is the center of our home, we will never have to worry about a thing. He will take care of us, comfort us and guide us to what is best for our family. I love this time of year and just wish that it lasted a little longer.
We wanted to start the tradition of our kids getting new pajamas on Christmas Eve, so we got Jackson the cutest jammies. They say "Best gift ever." He was getting tired so we thought we would open them up so we could put them on him and he could relax.
Then Jackson got his second wind and was all over the place! He loved playing with the presents under the tree and watching the train go around.
Christmas Day!
On Christmas CJ and I got up and ready for church earlier so we wouldn't be in a rush to make it on time. Jackson woke up about 8:20 so we hurried and fed him so we could open presents.
Jackson loved pulling out the stuff in his stocking. It was so cute to watch him! I can't imagine what next year will be like. He got two cars and Mickey Mouse Club House movie.
Jackson loves his two cars. He loves anything with wheels that he can push around. I get so excited that he loves something so much. He also got a ball popper dinosaur, a new church outfit and socks. CJ got new golf clubs that he went and bought himself, but he is so excited to finally be able to use them. I told him he couldn't use them until after Christmas. CJ also got a new A's hat, shorts and a shirt. I got a new vacuum that I am very excited for. It was needed very badly, the one I have is my Grandma's old one. I also got a couple movies and a marble statue of Christ. It will go right on my piano, it is so beautiful.
We had a great morning and when we were done we headed to church. Jackson stayed in his jammies so we could be on time! It was a great Sacrament of the story of Jesus's birth and beautiful songs by the primary and choir. After church we went to Cory and July's with Connie for breakfast. We were able to see what the kids got and they were so excited! Little kids at Christmas time is the best!
Later that day we had Connie over for dinner. We had turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls and corn. It was my very first turkey that I have cooked. Connie helped me since I had never done it before and because I wasn't at all excited when the packaging said to "prepare" the turkey. Gross! It wasn't nearly as difficult as I was expecting though and it was delicious. The rest of the day we hung out and then went to Holly's to play for a little bit. My parents and Kelly were there and we played some games. Jackson was very tired from having two very late nights in a row so we left around seven so we could put him to bed. It was a very fun and relaxing day.
CJ's Dad was in town for Christmas this year so we went over to Mark's parents house for dinner on the 26th. Cory and his family and Candice and her family were there too. We had a nice turkey and ham dinner and afterwards the grandkids were given gifts. Jackson got a cute animal book. We played bingo with white elephant gifts then had a delicious peppermint ice cream pie for dessert. It was a nice evening spent with family.
Needless to say we had a great Christmas Holiday. We loved spending so much time with our families and are very sad that it is all over.
Needless to say we had a great Christmas Holiday. We loved spending so much time with our families and are very sad that it is all over.
2 comments:
Looks like a great Christmas! Glad you got to see both families. Jackson looks very cute in his new jammies. :)
Yes, Christmas was perfect starting with church with both my sons families. I have to say your dinner was excellent. Thank you very much for a wonderful day.
Post a Comment